Official Review: A Night in Babylon by Michael West

[mmm17]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Night in Babylon" by Michael West.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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A Night in Babylon, written by Michael West, takes place two years after an earthquake known as the Southland Quake, with a magnitude of 8.8 on the Richter Scale, transformed Los Angeles in a concrete desert. The city has become a “cesspool of corruption, disease, poverty, and violence.” As corrupt authorities turn against the citizens, Los Angeles is on the verge of martial law. In this chaotic setting, riots and anti-establishment groups emerge. The Stay Ready Soldiers (SRS) is such a group, and two SRS members, Geronimo and Kali, are the protagonists of the novel.

On a mission to eliminate the SRS is an elite unit known as the Black Hawk Battalion. They are a team of six mercenaries using as transport an armored “mechanical monster.” The most dangerous of the mercenaries is Rico, whose body got augmented with bionic and cybernetic implants that enhance his strength, speed, and coordination.

In this lively story, well-developed characters get nicely woven into the plot by the author. West provides adequate background about the characters, skillfully making readers connect to them. Geronimo’s and Kali’s difficult childhoods, for instance, made my heart go out to them. Soon enough, I was rooting for the success of their missions. There are also interesting secondary plots and characters, such as Dawn, an abused and vulnerable teenager who is protected by Red, whose devotion to the SRS is unbreakable. A middle-aged former arms dealer called Bunchy, who provides valuable help to the SRS, is also interesting. These well-developed characters were what I liked the most about the book.

The book is extremely violent. Most of it comprises detailed and gory descriptions of violent acts; this aspect was what I disliked the most about it. There is much bloodshed, as well as sexual violence and drug use. I don’t mind violence in itself, but I did feel that it was all over the place and excessively graphic. One could almost say that it was glamourized, which I found a bit disquieting. There’s a rape of a minor that was particularly unsettling.

Lastly, I give A Night in Babylon 3 out of 4 stars. I’m taking a star away from the rating due to the excessive violence and also because another round of editing is necessary to iron out mishaps. Still, the book is a good read that will appeal to readers who are fond of crime stories. Overall, I enjoyed reading it. If extreme, gory violence and sexual assault scenes bother you, I’d recommend that you steer clear of this one.

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A Night in Babylon
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[hasincla]

Yikes, this sounds a bit intense for me. I mean, I'm all for gritty, post-apocalyptic stories (especially when the characters are great) but this might be a bit much for me. Thanks for your honest review!

[desyree]

Yikes, this sounds a bit intense for me. I mean, I'm all for gritty, post-apocalyptic stories (especially when the characters are great) but this might be a bit much for me. Thanks for your honest review!

I have the same thought.

[JKO]

I think i will sympathize Geronimo and Kali's character because of their difficult childhood. I look forward to seeing them go on missions as well as see them succeed, even if they were the protagonists. Great review!

[Adanna Inya]

Wow! Reading this review gave me the chills. I can't stomach violence. I'll pass. Thank you.

[Nath_chuks]

You emphasized more on violence. I love crime stories but guess I will pass. Thanks

[mmm17]

Yikes, this sounds a bit intense for me. I mean, I'm all for gritty, post-apocalyptic stories (especially when the characters are great) but this might be a bit much for me. Thanks for your honest review!

Thank you for reading!

[mmm17]

Yikes, this sounds a bit intense for me. I mean, I'm all for gritty, post-apocalyptic stories (especially when the characters are great) but this might be a bit much for me. Thanks for your honest review!

I have the same thought.

There is a great deal of violence, but it is a good story. Thanks for commenting.

[mmm17]

I think i will sympathize Geronimo and Kali's character because of their difficult childhood. I look forward to seeing them go on missions as well as see them succeed, even if they were the protagonists. Great review!

They are great characters, indeed, and their stories are well developed. Thank you for reading and commenting.

[mmm17]

Wow! Reading this review gave me the chills. I can't stomach violence. I'll pass. Thank you.

Thank you for your comments. I appreciate it.

[Nujudee]

Violence?!.
Wow ...
I'd definitely love to give it a shot honestly.

[Harty]

I like the prospect of reading abour modern warfare in an urban setting. Thanks for the review.

[Kachi_Ejiogu+_]

Looks to me like an interesting read. But quite frankly not my genre, so I'd pass. You did a great job in the review! Very apt!.